`Explain’: Telangana HC asks state, municipal authorities over selective advertising rules enforcement

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has sought an explanation from the state government and municipal authorities over allegations of selective enforcement of advertising rules that have affected hundreds of outdoor media owners in Hyderabad.

Notices Issued to Govt, GHMC, and Metro Rail

Justice B Vijayasen Reddy issued notices to the state government, GHMC, Hyderabad Metro Rail, HYDRAA commissioners, and others, asking them to clarify their stand on a writ petition filed by the Telangana Outdoor Media Owners Association (TOMOA). The matter was posted for the next hearing on August 6.

Association alleges biased implementation

The petition alleged that authorities were enforcing the 2020 advertisement policy selectively, allowing certain firms to retain or install large hoardings while forcing TOMOA members to remove theirs. This, the association said, has resulted in severe financial losses for hundreds of families dependent on outdoor advertising.

204 firms removed hoardings after policy ban

Advocate Kala Ramesh, appearing for TOMOA, submitted that in April 2020, the state government introduced a policy banning hoardings above 15 feet in height. Complying with the new rules and GHMC directives, all 204 member-firms dismantled their structures, he said.

Specific firms named in plea

However, the association alleged that Prakash Arts, Lead Space, and Nava Nirman were allowed to continue installing large hoardings, some along metro rail corridors, allegedly without necessary safety clearances. The petition termed this a clear violation of both the government policy and court orders.